Who needs fondant when you can build a cake entirely...out...of...OREOS?? Check out this awesomeness in the Huffington Post's article, 25 Wedding Desserts That Are Far More Exciting Than Cake. There's milk and cookie shots, people. You are welcome!The Events:Sunday, November 15The Great Bridal Expo12pm–4pmAnaheim Convention Center800 West Katella AvenueAnaheim, CA, 92802Admission: $8 online, $10 at the doorThe Deals:

Lili Bridals: Tax Free November. They will pay the SALES TAX on any gown purchased at regular price during the month of November. Just mention this post, and their newsletter. Call to make your appointment at their Tarzana salon, 818-774-9700Required reading:

Martha Stewart Weddings: 7 Ways to Upgrade Your Wedding Menu. I love these, and some of them are easy and practical. All of a very "Concierge" level vibe. Check it out, see what's possible for you. See you at the end of the aisle,

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

I can't believe this was already a month ago! We planned this wedding in six months, a Scottish-Peruvian-American fusion it was really a lot of fun, and a fun day. Thanks to the folks at Heritage Square Museum, Photographer Julie Patterson, John Kindleman at About Thyme Catering, Jeeza at Ace Party Rents, and Kim at Enchanted Florist for all their help in creating a fantastic wedding for these two.

Friday, November 06, 2015

Dear Liz:Our wedding is in March and we're sending out the invitations this month, before Thanksgiving. My fiance and I are kind of arguing about whether we should let our guests bring their children to the wedding. When we went to his cousin's wedding in August, someone's baby cried through the whole ceremony, and I watched his sister and brother-in law spend the the reception chasing after his two-year old nephew. I really don't want that kind of chaos at my wedding, but my fiance is afraid he's going to get in trouble with his family if we say "No kids." His best man has a baby, too. I think the parents appreciate the break , and they can find a babysitter and enjoy the evening. What should we do?Signed, Little TroublesDear Troubles, Kids are tricky. People can - and will - get huffy if you tell them what they can and cannot do with their children. But, you have the right to have the kind of wedding atmosphere you want. But then again, so does your fiance, and it sounds like he doesn't want to have to explain why his sister and his best friend have to pay for babysitters. My go-to-advice with kids is the same as the advice I give about everything else. Do what you want, figure out how to make it work. In you case, however, I'll reverse that: Talk about different scenarios for making either option work , and then base your ultimate decision on what you're most comfortable with doing, and that gets you both closer to the wedding you want. He doesn't want any heat from his side of the aisle and you want a peaceful day:No Kids:1. Write some version of "Adults Only Wedding and Reception" on your invitation.2. Talk directly to the friends and family that would be affected and tell them you're not having kids at your wedding. Try and avoid the phrase, "Don't want." Definitely add that you hope that they will be able to attend anyway.3. Some guest will miss the memo on this, and will RSVP for their children and/or ask about accommodations for them. This. Will. Happen.You will have to remind them that you're not hosting children, and you hope that they will stay be able to attend. 4. Some guests will "miss" the memo or ignore it, won't RSVP for their children, and will bring them anyway. You have to be okay with that. No, they won't do that, you're thinking. Yeah, they will. Can't find a babysitter, they're bringing food for them, and they'll keep a close eye on them! We're not talking about a lot of people in options 3 & 4, but there will be at least a couple, and you're going to have to deal. 5. If you're having flower girls and ring bearers, you can make them an exception, and you don't have to explain that to anyone. For one thing, it will be pretty obvious.Yes Kids:1. Provide a babysitting service at your wedding venue, and mention it on your invitation. Parents can drop children off at the beginning of the ceremony, with an option of visiting them throughout the wedding and reception. Some parents will end up bringing their kids into the reception with them, anyway, at some point. 2. Talk to your friends and family individually who have small babies, specifically about the wedding ceremony, and you know, their crying babies. You can't assume they'll consider this on their own, and sit where they can leave easily. 3. Ask a friend or wedding party member to act as an usher and seat families with small children and babies in the back of the ceremony. 4. Ask your friends and family with kids if their child will need a high chair, a separate chair, or a meal. This, of course, will depend on how old the child is, but don't assume. A baby might be too young for a high chair, but their carrier can (and probably should) go on another chair. A ten year old might be too picky to eat steak or have allergies, so his parents are bringing a meal for them. You'll have to accommodate them, one way or another, but it is is a bit of extra legwork. 5. Be okay with having kids at your wedding. Ultimately, their parents are responsible for them, and there is only so far you can manage that. If you've said "Yes," then you've got to stick with that, and let the chips fall where they may. See you at the end of the aisle,

Friday, October 30, 2015

Dear Liz, We're having a destination wedding in Mexico in July, and my fiancee and I are having a little quandary about the seating arrangements. We have a large wedding party - 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen - and half of them are bringing significant others with them. It seems wrong to have non-wedding party members sit at the head table with us, but it also seems wrong to separate everyone from their spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends all night. Can we have our wedding party sit at guest tables, instead? What about us, do we sit alone, or can we sit with guests, too?Signed, Musical ChairsDear Musical,

Yeah, that's actually the preferred solution, these days - seating your wedding party with their plus ones at guest tables. I also had three couples this year that decided to sit with their guests, too. But, a sweetheart's table for two is still the most popular option.Basically, you can do whatever you want. Whatever makes you feel comfortable, whatever is going to make your wedding party and guests feel comfortable, whatever works with your reception space. Decide what that is, and then all you have to do is figure out how to make it happen.See you at the end of the aisle, Liz CoopersmithSilver Charm Eventswww.silvercharmevents.comLet's talk about your wedding:liz@silvercharmevents.com323-592-9318

My Altar Boss, Alan Katz, of Great Officiants, posted this picture on his Facebook page on Monday. He officiated a wedding at the Griffith Observatory for two men from China. They did not want a picture of their faces because gay marriages are not recognized in their country. I cried when I saw this, for a few reasons. As Alan wrote, #lovewinsThe Events:

Thursday, November 5, 2015

7:00-9:00 pm

224 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA

Lovella Bridal is celebrating their 45th anniversary with cocktails, fun, and the latest designs from the New York runway by designer Ines DiSanto. I was lucky enough to be invited to this last year, and you're going to have a wonderful time with lots and lots of pretty. RSVP to info@LovellaBridal.com to register, or call 818-246-4637.

La Soie Bridal - Their Annual Sample Sale Event is on until November 14. Sample designer gowns start at $299, which is 80% off retail. Call to make your appointment at their salon location in Torrance.